For the first time in three decades, the Ford Mustang will be back on the Supercars grid after completing successful aerodynamic testing.

The Mustang underwent nine days of special Supercars Controlled Aerodynamic Testing (referred to as VCAT), establishing the aerodynamic parity between the Mustang and other Supercars vehicles, the ZB Commodore and Nissan Altima. 

Following the successful VCAT testing, an agreement by the three homologation teams and approval from the Supercars Commission confirmed the car’s green light to race in 2019.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer was thrilled with the return of the iconic Ford muscle car.

“This is the final step in seeing the iconic Ford Mustang back on Australian race circuits, and we can’t wait to see it in its full glory at the Adelaide 500 next year,” Seamer said.

“We thank the all of those involved in the homologation process, and the hard work they have put in to making happen, including incumbents Red Bull Holden Racing Team and Nissan Motorsport. 

“DJR Team Penske, Tickford Racing and Ford Performance have done an outstanding job to build a Supercar which will no doubt continue Ford’s successes of this year.” 

Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO Kay Hart was also excited with the announcement and the partnership forged with the teams.

“Mustang passed a significant milestone in its return to the track,” Hart said.

“We’re proud of the partnership we share with Ford Performance, DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing, in achieving the goal of a competition-ready Mustang for the 2019 season, and beyond.” 

During the VCAT, the three cars underwent a series of runway testing that measured aerodynamics and downforce, allowing adjustments to be made to the Mustang to equalise it to the two other models.

The teams all then agreed with the eventual outcome and the models were approved for racing.

Supercars Sporting and Technical Director David Stuart was pleased with the successful VCAT as well as the assistance from DJR Team Penske, the Red Bull Holden Racing Team and Nissan Motorsport. 

"With the assistance of the incumbents it has been a very smooth process throughout," Stuart said.

DJR Team Penske applauded the milestone for the inbound Mustang.

“The Mustang project has now been ongoing for over 18 months, so getting the tick of approval through the VCAT testing process is a great milestone,” DJR Team Penske Managing Director Ryan Story said.

“That is only step one for us, however, as we must now get the race cars built and ready to perform for the 2019 season. We’re very proud of Mustang in our first effort as Ford’s Supercars homologation team and are very much looking forward to doing the ‘Blue Oval’ proud in coming years. 

The 2019 Supercars season will kick off with the Superloop Adelaide 500 on 28 February before heading to Melbourne for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019.